Malaysian jazz legend & Drummer Lewis Pragasam has passed away
The Facebook post of the fan group, namely Lewis Pragasam Official Fan Page said the musician born in Kuala Lumpur died at 3 am this morning, in a private hospital.KUALA LUMPUR: Lewis Pragasam, 66, a prominent drummer known as the Icon of Malaysian Jazz Rhythm, died of a heart attack after collapsing during a successful Christmas concert in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, last night.
Pragasam reportedly collapsed on stage, at about 9pm, during the Music of Christmas Concert at the Good Shepherd Assembly of God, Petaling Jaya. At that time, the late Pragasam was reported to be performing with three other jazz musicians.
The Facebook post of the fan group, namely Lewis Pragasam Official Fan Page said the musician born in Kuala Lumpur died at 3 am this morning, in a private hospital.
The late Pragasam's passing was confirmed by the President of the Malaysian Employees Association (KARYAWAN), Datuk Freddie Fernandez
Freddie said that the late Pragasam suffered from heart-related health problems for the past two months.
"The deceased had some heart problems for the past two months and was in the recovery period. It may be too early for the deceased to perform, but he is still enthusiastic.
" These are all God's provisions. The deceased also died while doing a good deed, namely a charity offering," he said who had not received further details of the late Pragasam's funeral from his family.
Meanwhile, the fan group's Facebook (FB) post, Lewis Pragasam Official Fan Page, said the Kuala Lumpur-born musician died at 3am this morning, at a private hospital.
Yesterday, the late Pragasam performed at Eco Drum Jam, Plaza Shah Alam, by holding a session with young percussionists.
In addition to being an internationally skilled drummer and percussionist, the late Pragasam was an educator, publisher and author. Pragasam is also widely recognized in jazz rhythms and world music as a pioneer of new trends and producers of unique sounds from Asia, reports FMT.
The late Pragasam founded the band, Asiabeat in 1979 with recordings and performances combining Malaysian, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Western music styles. The group gained a huge following in Malaysia and became a new voice in the music industry, FMT reported.
The late Pragasam took his music and band concepts around the world, touring almost every continent and creating a 'wave' at several international jazz and music festivals.
Pragasam has performed and recorded sessions with many internationally famous artists such as Billy Cobham, Ernie Watts, Randy Bensen, Randy Crawford, John 'Kaizan' Neptune and Bob James, reports FMT.
